Independent Director

Board Director (Independent) | Tasman Rugby Union Inc (TRU)

Location: Nelson / Marlborough (Te Tauihu)
Position Type: Governance / Board Member (Voluntary, reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: 5:00 PM, Friday 23 October

About Us

Tasman Rugby Union Incorporated is responsible for the leadership, governance, and custodianship of rugby across Te Tauihu (Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough). From grassroots clubs, schools, and community development to our premier representative sides—the Tasman Mako in the NPC and Farah Palmer Cup TRU plays a central role in connecting and inspiring our regional communities.

Operating within a dynamic national and regional sports landscape, the TRU Board is focused on delivering a refreshed strategic plan, strengthening commercial revenue, enhancing high-performance pathways, and ensuring sustainable community participation.

The Opportunity

The TRU Board is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified governance professionals or senior executives to join as an Independent Director.

The Board is responsible for:

• Setting strategic direction and overseeing organisational performance.
• Safeguarding the financial sustainability and integrity of the Union.
• Monitoring risk and ensuring modern, robust governance practices.
• Upholding strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clubs, provincial unions, New Zealand Rugby, commercial partners, and local communities.

Independent Directors bring objective judgment and strategic insight free from representation of any single club or sub-union, ensuring decisions advance the best interests of the game across the whole of Te Tauihu.

Skills & Expertise Sought

Based on the Board’s Skills and Expertise Framework, applications are particularly welcome from candidates offering strength in one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial Strategy & Revenue Generation: Diversifying revenue streams, partnership development, and commercial sponsorship.
• Financial & Risk Governance: Risk frameworks, compliance, and fiscal oversight.
• High-Performance Pathways: Deep understanding of modern sporting environments and athlete development.
• Marketing & Digital Communications: Brand engagement, modern media platforms, and fan engagement strategies.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering collaboration across community, civic, and regional networks.

Prior governance experience on commercial or not-for-profit boards is not essential.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

Tasman Rugby Union is committed to fostering a modern, inclusive governance culture that reflects the diverse communities of Te Tauihu and the evolving face of rugby across Aotearoa.

To ensure our leadership encompasses a broad spectrum of perspectives, insights, and lived experiences:

• We strongly encourage expressions of interest from wāhine (women) seeking governance opportunities in sport.
• We warmly welcome applications from Māori leaders who bring strong community connections, cultural insight, and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles within contemporary organisational governance.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in confidence and should include:

1. A tailored Cover Letter detailing your governance experience and the specific expertise you bring to TRU.
2. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Confirmation of your Independent Status (freedom from direct club delegate or sub-union conflicts).
4. Appointed Independent Status: Incumbents Tony Healey and Michael Parker are retiring and will not be seeking re-appointment.

Submit applications via email to:
Paul Dalzell, Appointments Panel Chair – Tasman Rugby Union
Email: [email protected]

Phone: [+ 64 21 420 210](tel:+ 64 21 420 210)

Applications close: 5:00 PM, Friday 23 October